Thai K-pop fans continue to celebrate big wins for Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, as she becomes the first K-pop artist to reach 100 million followers on Instagram.

The Thai singer, best known as the youngest member of Blackpink, reached the milestone on Christmas. The achievement also makes the 26-year-old the first Asian female to reach that milestone, as well as the first Thai celebrity to do so.

Last week, Lisa earned the distinction as the most influential K-pop artist this year by the Guinness World Records, which adds to an already impressive amount of records, including having the most Spotify streams with Blackpink and being the first K-pop artist to reach 1 billion streams with her solo debut single Lalisa.

The singer also released a new music video for her cover of Britney Spears’ My Only Wish.

Earlier this month, Blackpink, whose seven-year contract with label YG Entertainment that began in 2016 was coming to an end, renewed their contracts after months of rumors of a split. The label said in a statement that it was “an exclusive contract for group activities based on strong trust” and that Blackpink would continue to “repay their fans around the world with activities that match their global status in the K-pop scene with new albums and world tours”.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m)

Merry Christmas! Not sure where to go for NYE? We got you covered.

[Brought to you by Park Hyatt Bangkok]

New Year’s Eve Fine Dining Extravaganza at Park Hyatt Bangkok

If you’re into the finer things in life, Park Hyatt Bangkok has not one but two New Year’s Eve events that are sure to be a culinary hit. Dig into an extravagant 11-course dinner at Embassy Room, where the theme this year is authentic Catalan cuisine. Or take the lift up to the 34th-36th floor’s rooftop Penthouse Bar + Grill, where the luxurious 6-course dinner includes a seafood tasting, and grilled lobster or wagyu entrées. Tickets here, Park Hyatt Bangkok

Festive Fantasies: The Last Disco

One of Hua Hin’s trendier resort spots is burning down 2023 with the mother of all disco jam nights. The hotel’s Lido Bar gets decked out in “wonderland” decor while disco dancers and DJs help you cut up a rug. There will also be a glitter tattoo station (perfect for a sparkly Mike Tyson-style face tat) and singing performances by Amadiva and Cherilyn in the styles of music icons Cher and Diana Ross. B500 includes one drink, tickets here, The Standard Hua Hin.

Escape Cyber City NYE 24 With Sam Supplier

BK Magazine once said Bangkok is becoming Blade Runner’s LA. If that vibe is enticing to you, check out Escape this NYE to unleash your inner cyberpunk fantasy surrounded by neon lights and  LED outfits. Acclaimed DJ-producer Sam Supplier will join the party to bring a high-energy set worthy of a dystopian club future. Early bird B1,000 (includes three drinks), tickets here, Escape (Emquartier)

[Brought to you by Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24]

Tropical New Year’s Eve Party at Vue Rooftop Bar

The 29th floor of the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24 will be hosting a tropical extravaganza to ring in 2024. Guests can pick from three food and beverage packages, or join the celebrations after 11pm for a special rate. DJ Ployfon will provide the soundtrack as you dance your way to midnight. Tickets here, Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24

Hemingway’s New Year Countdown Party 2024

Say goodbye to 2023 at one of the city’s longest standing drinking dens this New Year’s Eve. Expect plenty of special drinks, dining deals, and (let’s be honest) very watchable chaos from Sukhumvit Soi 11 as the night goes on. Free entry, Hemingway’s Bangkok

Rooftop Disco Ball New Year’s Eve Party at Japan-ISH

Everybody needs to experience a disco ball drop during New Year’s Eve at least once in your life. If you don’t fancy flying all the way to New York City, check out Japan-ISH this NYE for a night of live music, great city views and nonstop beats from DJs Peter Soul, Gwise, and Mamoun. B5,900 (includes eight-course menu with wine pairings), tickets here, Japan-ISH

[Brought to you by Valia Hotel Bangkok]

Valia Hotel Bangkok’s six-course New Year’s Eve Dinner

Wrap up the year with a decadent six-course dinner at Valia Hotel Bangkok. The culinary highlights include roasted foie gras and strawberries, your choice of smoked beef tenderloin or grilled snow fish entrée, and a chocolate and hazelnut mousse. Diners can pick where they want to dine: the elegant Florae Restaurant, the poolside BelleValia pool bar, or the snazzy Eastern Elixir Social Lounge & Bar. Tickets here, Valia Hotel Bangkok

New Year’s Eve at Pastel Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars are some of the best places to take in the NYE madness—considering people blow up half the city with fireworks. Take in that chaos while downing some top-quality Mediterranean eats and bubbly Champagne at Aira Hotel’s Pastel Rooftop Bar. DJs, live performances, and fireworks are on the menu here. Free entry, tickets here, Pastel Rooftop Bar

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

Step into the New Year with a grand dinner buffet inclusive of a glass of wine. Get ready for a spread featuring a seafood on-ice selection, including lobster, scallops, poached river prawns, mussels, spotted babylons, and oysters. There’s also sushi and sashimi and suckling pig and more. More info here, Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom

[Brought to you by Hotel Indigo Bangkok]

Dinner and Countdown Party at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road

Start off your NYE with a chic fine dining dinner at CHAR Restaurant, whose three and five-course menus feature Wagyu tenderloin and a homemade raspberry-pistachio sponge cake. Afterwards, shimmy on up to CHAR Rooftop Bar for the big countdown party where the theme is “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”. Live DJs and special performances from Madame Rouge will keep the party going until the clock strikes midnight.

But that’s not all! Share your first meal of 2024 with your loved ones at Metro On Wireless’ New Year’s Day Family Brunch—the international buffet includes a complimentary half-lobster for each guest. CHAR Restaurant will also have a special New Year’s Day set dinner menu, available as either three or five courses.More details here, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – The Multiverse

Seen Restaurant and Bar is bringing you a cosmic celebration. Be sure to dress in your best cosmic-themed outfit, to dance and party the night away with celestial music. Be sure to stop by Lost & Found for an afterparty. Tickets here, Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok

Lost and Found New Year’s Eve After Party

The Lost and Found crew have plenty installed for you! Get ready for an immersive experience of art, disco, and cabaret at your favorite adult playground, there’ll be art activations, and live performances from experimental artists and dancers. Tickets here, Lost and Found Bangkok

New Year’s Eve 2024 – Party Cruise

How about a boat party under the fireworks? There will be fireworks coming from three directions, a four-hour party cruise with drinks, cocktails, food on board, DJs, fire dancers, and MCs. Tickets here, Watworachanyawas

SO Pool Party Countdown

To wrap up a full year of So pool parties, it’s time to dive into the year’s final party—the countdown edition. There’ll be drinks and nibbles, a chance to watch the fireworks light up the sky, and an impressive lineup of house, techno, and hip-hop DJs. Tickets here, So Bangkok

Neon Countdown

The Neon countdown to 2024 is back! Witness their iconic infinity stage in person, stroll through Neon Downtown, and watch as they light up Bangkok’s sky. With a banging line-up including Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Charlotte Dewitte, DJ Snack, Hardwell, and more. Tickets here, Wonder World Extreme Park

Dusk Till Dawn Countdown Party

Enjoy Mimi’s free-flow open bar and dance your way into the new year. The free flow package is B3,500 per person. Tickets here, Mimi’s Bangkok

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Skyline

Skyline’s New Year’s Eve buffet will keep you going late into the night. With fireworks raining over the river, Bangkok will be looking more beautiful than ever from the 11th floor. Tickets here, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

New Year’s Eve Retro Glam

Haven’t made plans for New Year’s Eve? How about turning back time and celebrating in retro style at the 1826 Rooftop Bar? Groove to R&B, soul, and pop dance tunes. There will be free-flow drinks and a DJ throughout the night. Reservations here or by calling 06-2598-0301, 1826 Rooftop

New Year’s Eve at Hansar’s Jungle

Raise your glass to new beginnings at Hansar Bangkok. Get ready for a jungle party like no other on the 19th-floor sky garden this New Year’s Eve. There will be a festive buffet, and DJ Natsha bringing the tunes. Reservations here, Hansar Bangkok

Viva Aviv’s New Year’s Eve 2024

Celebrate with their five-course dinner and enjoy the fireworks from the terrace with a DJ hitting the decks to entertain you the whole night. Tickets here, Viva and Aviv The River

Crash the Party: New Year’s Eve Edition with Codie Currie and Secretsundaze B2B Seelie

End the year with a bang at Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar and the 3rd highest rooftop bar in the world. Come on up to Sky Beach for a three-hour open bar and beats by Cody Currie, Secretsundaze, and Seelie. Tickets here, Sky Beach Bangkok, King Power Mahanakhon.

Ojo New Year’s Eve Dinner

They’re bringing the bling this New Year’s Eve with a set menu, a live DJ, a celebratory toast, and all the right bubbly. This includes a six-course dinner, a half bottle of Billcart-Salmon Champagne per person, free-flowing cocktails, a live DJ, and complimentary access to the Sky Beach. Book here, Ojo

Made The Festive List: New Year’s Eve Countdown Party 2023

Raise a toast and welcome the New Year at The House on Sathorn! It’ll be a night filled with live music and W Sonic that’ll keep you dancing all night long. Tickets here, The House on Sathorn

Dine, Dance, and Dazzle Countdown Party Sirimahannop

Get ready to dine, dance, and dazzle on a boat. There’ll be an Italian cuisine live food station, free-flow beverages, a live band and DJ, and a fireworks display when the clock strikes midnight. Tickets here, Sirimahannop – The Heritage Asiatique The Riverfront Watprayakrai

Glitz and Glamor Celebration at the Crystal Grill House

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and let the Crystal Grill House do all the planning for you with a set menu, unlimited beverages, and a magician! Tickets here, the Crystal Grill House, Asiatique The Riverfront.

Countdown Party at Bar Yard

Bar Yard, the 40th-floor backyard rooftop bar, takes festivities to another level with a line-up of live performances from Madame Rouge and DJs that will keep you dancing into 2024. Tickets here, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Disco Fever – Ambar NYE Celebration

Celebrate the New Year with friends and family at one of the trendiest rooftop bars in Bangkok. There’ll be a live BBQ station and a lineup of live DJs and entertainment ready to ring you into 2024. Tickets here, Ambar Bangkok

Let’s Pop It Countdown to 2024 at Octave Rooftop

Ring in the New Year at the Octave Rooftop with free-flowing wines, cocktails, spirits and beers, and food from the food terrace. Or, if you feel like dinner, head over to the Octave Restaurant to dine amongst the beautiful city views. For more info on the different packages and tickets, click here, Octave Restaurant and Rooftop

Electrified – NYE Rooftop Party

Head over to the Altitude Rooftop and celebrate with international DJ sets from Hidden Bag, Alex Edels, and Sleepie, a spectacular firework countdown, a curated selection of beverages and free-flowing drinks from 9 pm-10 pm. Tickets here, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok

Sky Jungle New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at A Bar Rooftop

Get ready to go wild at the Sky Jungle countdown party. There’ll be unlimited drinks and stunning city views whilst you dance the night away with DJ Rabbit Disco and DJ Groove. Tickets here, ABar Rooftop

Dark Techno vs Psychedelic Trance NYE Countdown Edition

Get ready for a countdown to 2024, techno vs psytrance NYE edition. Psyhead Community and The Third Techno Crew return for a battle against psychedelic frequencies and dark industrial techno to see which genre is the winner. Free entry, Culture Cafe Bangkok

New Year Riverside Retro Revelry

Chatrium’s New Year’s Eve Dinner buffet will transport you back to the quirky 1970s and 1980s. There’ll be a live music performance by Cho and Her Band, DJ Natty, and a fireworks show along the river. Tickets here, Chatrium Hotel & Residence Riverside Bangkok

Gigi Brunch and Dinner

Hit up Phrom Phong’s favorite brunch spot for a special meal to celebrate 2024. Featuring at New Year’s Eve Dinner and a next day brunch, look forward to a seafood platter, scallop risotto, Australian lamb, and more. Book here, Gigi Dining Hall

Countdown with Robi Roka

Head to Portal for your New Year’s fix, where DJ Robi Roka will be tearing up the decks with a mix of drum and bass and techno at one of the city’s hottest clubs. Tickets here, Portal

New Year’s Eve at The Deck

It’s a chill, fun spot in Phrom Phong—where you can still get a little messy. Head here for New Year’s bevvies, dishes, and holiday specials. Book here, The Deck

New Year’s Countdown

It’s one of Bangkok’s most exclusive downtown hotels and they’re holding their countdown at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at The St. Regis Bar. Don’t miss the fireworks. Book here, St Regis Bangkok

Glamor and Grooves

If you want a full evening of food, booze, and tunes, head over to Mojjo Rooftop Lounge and Bar for a party under the stars (or smog). Book here, Mojjo Rooftop

Above Eleven White Party

Above Eleven knows their booze and their food and for New Year’s Eve they’re pulling out all the stops with live shows, two DJs, Latin beats, and more. Book here, Above Eleven

Game Over 2023

It’s the end of the world at Paradise Lost at Siam@Siam—or the end of the year at least. It’ll be a night of pink and yellow mayhem at this energetic spot, complete with special food offerings and live DJ performances to go with the wild vibes at this spot. Book via Line at @paradiselost, Paradise Lost

Taan Chalong New Year Dinner

If the wild night at Paradise Lost isn’t your thing, head over to Taan at the same location for a special 16-bite dinner from Chef Monthep “Thep” Kampolsilp at this trendy dining spot. In fact, you don’t have to wait for New Year’s. They’re serving from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. B4,390, Taan

Siwilai Countdown

It’s Thonglor’s hottest new club. Siwilai is pulling out all the stops for their very orange New Year celebration. Party withArmani, JWP, and APACHI well into 2024.This club, opening just last week, is ready to party. More info here, Siwilai Radical Club

This story originally appeared in BK Magazine.

The Hell’s Kitchen celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has launched Bread Street at Bangkok’s newly minted Emsphere, marking Thailand as the third Asian country to welcome this franchise after Hong Kong and Singapore.

The accessible European-style restaurant which has won over hearts and tastebuds since its establishment in 2011, serving classic European cuisine alongside cocktails and vino. But let’s face it, Ramsay’s reputation (good and bad) gets a lot of people through the door.

Maintaining the industrial interior design, the Emsphere location is decked out in comfy mustard colored sofa benches and clean metal touches. An elevated open kitchen sits at one corner of the restaurant so diners can catch a glimpse of the brigade in action—and thrown plates if Gordon ever shows up.

These are the dishes that make or break budding talents in Ramsay’s kitchens, like the spicy tuna tartare—fresh and briny like it’s just crawled out of the sea. It’s a bit on the hot side, but nothing the average Thai palette can’t handle. This is also pleasantly neutralized with some mashed avocado.

Unusually, the seafood shines at Bread Street. Check out their seared scallops, elevated with some carrot puree, smoky pancetta bits, and refreshing pomegranate. The Lobster moilee is another one to look out for, similar to some Thai style curries with a sweetness from the butternut squash and saltiness from the sauted spinach.

But, you haven’t really been here unless you’ve tried the signature beef Wellington. Get in line as this hearty dish is only available for 50 servings per day.

The cooking and prep time takes up to three days: a dijon-coated Australian tenderloin layered with truffles bundled in golden brown puff pastry. It’s served medium rare with honey carrot and mash, paired with a glass of red wine—so very, very English.

You can round out your dessert with some sticky toffee pudding—so big you’ll want to share—featuring a cake drenched in a pool of toffee and a dollop of ice cream.

It’s Gordon’s first salivating salvo in Bangkok, so this is a big deal for long-time fans. If you don’t like him, tough luck, because the famed chef and entrepreneur announced plans to open 14 venues in Thailand over the coming years in a partnership with Tanachira Group.

G Floor, Emsphere Sukhumvit Road, 063 268 9991, Open daily 11am-10pm.

This story originally appeared in BK Magazine.

A newly drafted marriage-equality law was approved by the cabinet this afternoon.

The new bill, which will go into consideration by the parliament this Thursday, will, hopefully, give LGBTQ couples the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in an effort to allow diversity in Thailand, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Remember that civil union bill from the last government that would allow recognition same-sex civil partnerships? Yeah, this one kicks it up a notch. No more settling for the “not quite married” status quo. This time, it’s the real deal, with rings, cake, and maybe even a rooftop elopement overlooking the Chao Phraya (because why not?).

The civil union bill, which failed to get the OK from parliament as it was dissolved by former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ahead of the May elections, would have given the right for LGBTQ couples to adopt children, manage assets and inherit properties. It would not have given them the legality to marry.

Only two countries in Asia (Taiwan and Nepal) are currently giving marriage equality the green light, and globally, we’re looking at less than 40 countries. So, yeah, this could be a pretty big deal for Thailand and for LGBTQ rights in the region.

Parliament still needs to throw their thumbs up on Dec. 21. Fingers crossed.

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The Metropolitan Police arrested 14 suspects today connected to a fatal shooting that killed a teacher and a student last month.

Police conducted search operations targeting 14 individuals in the areas of Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi yesterday evening. One of the 14 suspects, Chananchit  AKA “Pepsi,” was taken for questioning at the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Division this morning.

Previously, Chananchit had visited a group of friends who were arrested at Bangkok’s Thung Maha Mek Police Station on Nov. 23. He also gave an interview to the media, saying that his arrested friends were made scapegoats in this case.

In addition, the police also arrested Napawut, who is believed to have played an important role on the day of the shooting. Napawut, whose wanted status was announced by police via Facebook, is believed to have aided the shooters in their escape and evasion of the police.

The 14 suspects are the second group to be arrested on warrants in this case, taking the total to 23 after police previously arrested nine people connected to the shooting.

Police said they found that the suspects are part of a larger gang of students that operate like a crime syndicate with over 80 members. The members consisted of former vocational school students who would rent houses together, according to investigation police chief Theeradej Thamsuthee.

Despite all the arrests so far, the actual shooter and his accomplice have yet to be identified.

It’s been over a month since the fateful shooting on Nov. 11, when two men on a motorcycle targeted Thanasorn Hongsawat, a first-year student at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus. He was shot twice in the chest and once in the neck before being rushed to Chulalongkorn Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries eight days later.

During the shooting, a stray bullet hit and killed schoolteacher Sirada Sinprasert, known to students as Kru Jeab from Sacred Heart Convent School, who was queuing up at an ATM nearby.

Related

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today reiterated its neutral stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, stressing that its main concern is rescuing Thais trapped in the region.

Ministry spokesperson Kanjana Phatarachoke said that Thailand promotes peace.

“We do not support the use of force, but we support dialogue and giving diplomacy a chance to work. This has always been Thailand’s stance,” Kanjana said.

“When we say that we are neutral, we are neutral to the conflicting parties. We do not take sides, as we are not part of the conflict. However, we have principles that we must uphold: the protection of civilians and the respect for international humanitarian law.

“The government also attaches great importance to helping the Thai hostages who have not yet returned home. Thailand is still talking to friendly countries, using our ambassadors in countries that have influence, to help our Thai hostage brothers.”

Kanjana said that Thais in Israel have been affected by the conflict, noting that 38 Thai workers have been killed, 18 injured, and 32 taken hostage. Eight of them have not yet returned home.

International pressure is mounting on Israel and the US. On Dec. 12, the United Nations General Assembly held an emergency special session in New York City. The meeting called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as for all parties to respect international law.

The resolution passed by the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly reflects the global community’s view of the Israel-Hamas war. More than one-third of the 193 member states, or 153 countries, voted in favor of the resolution. This includes the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The US and Israel voted against the resolution, while the UK and Germany abstained.